A Review on Intergroup Imagined Contact Theory and Research

Abstract

Prejudice, stereotype and discrimination cause the exposed group members to experience many physical and psychological difficulties. Various studies have been conducted and theories have been developed in order to reduce the negative consequences of prejudice and discrimination and to develop more positive intergroup attitudes and behaviors. One of the theories developed in this context is the intergroup imagined contact theory. Imagined contact is a type of indirect contact that contributes to the reduction of prejudices through a positive mental communication between group members. Number of studies carried out in Turkey about imagined contact theory is quite limited. Therefore, the purpose of the current review study is to present the imagined contact theory and some research findings conducted within the framework of this theory, to make suggestions based on the presented research findings, and to provide a comprehensive Turkish resource for students and researchers who want to have information about imagined contact. For this purpose, firstly, brief information about the concepts of prejudice, stereotype and discrimination and the theories that imagined contact theory based on were presented. Then, imagined contact theory, methodological modifications of imagined contact settings, and related research findings carried out worldwide and in Turkey were reviewed separately. Finally, some opinions and suggestions related to the theory and future directions were presented. Keywords Prejudice, intergroup contact theories, imagined contact theory